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Community FAQ & Resources: Podcasts, Game Video & Much More

scantrell24

Posted 28 August 2013 - 02:30 PM

scantrell24

Advanced Member

Small Council

3041 posts

POPULAR

Welcome to the comprehensive FAQ & guide to community resources.

In the Game of Thrones LCG players use customized decks to assume leadership of one of the great houses of Westeros vying for control of King's Landing and the Iron Throne. To achieve their goals, players launch military attacks against their opponents, undermine their opponents’ plans with intrigues of their own, and make brazen power plays to win the support of the realm. Players choose to represent one of eight factions vying for control of or influence over the Iron Throne: Targaryen, Lannister, Baratheon, Stark, Martell, Greyjoy, Tyrell, and the Night's Watch. You can start exploring them with this Faction-by-faction primer, which explains key play-styles and strategies.

The Game of Thrones card game launched as a CCG (collectible card game) in 2002. It was designed by Eric Lang at Fantasy Flight Games and based on the novels written by George R.R. Martin. In 2008 the game rebooted to accommodate a switch to LCG (living card game) format. In August 2015, the game rebooted again, still with the LCG distribution model but with streamlined rules, sleek new designs, and additional factions. Previous cards are not compatible across editions. However, the new edition does maintain the essential game elements (plot deck, three challenge types, victory condition) of the first edition. For Fantasy Flight's reasons behind the reboot, please read lead designer Nate French's letter to the community.

The Thrones LCG can by played head-to-head (called "joust" -- the usual format for competitive tournaments) or with 3-6 players (called "melee" - more like a board game). The 2nd edition Core set hit shelves in October 2015, with small expansions following monthly. For reviews of the Core set, check out Ars Technica, Shut up and Sit Down, Paste Magazine, and Drive Thru Review.

The Core box for 2nd Edition contains 211 distinct cards. You get single copies of most cards, but a few neutral ones are duplicated to reach a total of 234 cards in the box. Casual gamers may find one Core sufficient, but tournament players need threeCores to obtain a full play-set of every card.

If you've already enjoyed playing with a single Core set, consider enhancing and customizing your decks with cards from additional Core sets, Chapter packs or Deluxe boxes. Under the LCG model, additional cards are released in monthly chapter packs (approx. $15 MSRP) and bi-annual deluxe expansions (approx. $25-30). Both product types contain a fixed distribution of cards, and each card comes 3x so you have a full play-set immediately. You know exactly what you're getting when you buy a pack -- no chasing rares, and no shelling out big bucks just to play on equal footing in tournaments.

Chapter packs contain 2 different cards per each of the 8 factions factions, plus 4 different neutral cards, all at 3x each for a total of 60 cards. As of April 2018, there are 23 chapter packs available, beginning with Taking the Black.

Each deluxe expansion features one faction prominently, but includes some cards from all 8 factions. Tyrell, Stark, Lannister, Martell, and Night's Watch boxes are currently available, beginning with Wolves of the North.

To ease the burden of entry for new players and keep the tournament scene fresh, chapter packs rotate out of the tournament-legal card pool after about 4 years (so starting in 2019). The Core set and deluxe expansions will not rotate but rather remain "evergreen". The LCG model makes Thrones a relatively cheap investment compared to collectible card games like Magic, Yugioh and Pokemon. Furthermore, players can easily share a collection with a friend or two by divvying up the 8 factions.

Deckbuilding & Tools

In 2nd edition, a player forms his decks by choosing a Faction card (such as House Baratheon), which allows him to use all loyal AND non-loyal cards from that faction. Additionally, players can optionally use an "Agenda" card. Agendas generally provide an extra benefit at some cost. A "Banner" Agenda (such as Banner of the Kraken) allows him to add non-loyal cards from his Banner faction. The Banner agendas are currently the only method to include out-of-faction cards. Alternatively, you can choose a non-Banner agenda, such as Fealty or Lord of the Crossing. Finally, neutral cards without a faction crest can be added to any deck.

Store championships are the bottom of the organized play pyramid, and the season runs from November to February. Prestigious Regional tournaments run from April to July. The U.S. National Championship is held at Gen Con in August, the European Championship is held at Castle Stahleck in late November, and the World Championship is held at FFG headquarters in Minnesota in early November. The winners the European Championship and World Championship events each earn the right to design their own card, which is included in a future chapter pack! Additionally, major unofficial tournaments are held throughout the year, and local stores can host tournaments with game night kits including prizes like alternate art promos, deck boxes, and playmats. In addition to player-run online tournaments through OCTGN, you can follow tournaments "live" through the Jousting Pavilion site.

A subscription is not necessary to play on OCTGN, but subscribing supports the developers and unlocks some additional features. Card text is usually censored to avoid conflicts with FFG.. You can host a game for another player to join, or find an open game to join in the lobby. OCTGN currently only works with PCs, not Macs, unless you use a workaround.

Rules Questions

When you're stumped, first check the RRG (Rules Reference Guide) that came with your Core set. It's also available on FFG's website under "Support", along with the official FAQ. Next search for the specific card on Thronesdb.com and scroll down to "Reviews" (here's Catelyn for example) or try the Rules Forum FAQ. Then, if you still don't have an answer, feel free to ask in the Rules subforum here! There's also an entire column series devoted to rules intricacies and explanations called Quill & Tankard Regulars.

Thrones Timing Rules

If you're joining us from Magic, it's important to note that Thrones doesn't use a "stack". Each time an action or reaction window opens, players alternate turns to play a card or use an ability, and the window closes when all players pass consecutively. Details can be found on pages 24-25 of the Rules Reference Guide.

Helpful Acronyms

It's important to resolve game and card effects in the proper order.

At the end of a challenge follow D.U.C.K.

1. Determine winner - this is where you'd trigger reactions to winning/losing, like Tears of Lys, Lannisport, and Ghaston Grey

2. Unopposed bonus - this is where you'd trigger reactions to claiming the unopposed bonus, like Rise of the Kraken

3. Claim - this is where you'd trigger reactions to claim, for example if a Lord or Lady is killed for military claim, Joffrey can trigger here

4. Keywords - finally, keywords and their reactions happen last, for example, when Robert gains a power for renown, you can trigger Lightbringer

In November 2013, FFG introduced 1st edition draft packs, which allowed players to hold draft tournaments. Previously, the LCG fixed distribution model made drafting difficult, but now each player just needs a reusable starter pack ($5) and a randomized draft pack ($15). FFG introduced the 2nd edition Valyrian draft set at Gen Con 2016, and draft is scheduled as a side event for Worlds 2016. Check out the Valyrian card pool and a video overview.

Cheating is defined as any behavior outside the rules of the game performed with the intent to create an unfair advantage for one or more players. Categorical methods of cheating include (but are not limited to): sleight of hand tricks, component manipulation, collusion, misrepresentation, and unsportsmanlike conduct.

All players in a game have a responsibility to maintain the proper board state. If your opponent counts 1 less gold than he should have, you should tell him. If your opponent misses a Forced Reaction card ability that would be detrimental to you, you should tell him.

It is not rude to ask for a "takeback". Nor is it rude to decline such a request.

Anyone who has the link can edit it. I've created a tab for each country (more countries can be easily added as necessary). There are columns that ask for state/province within the country, name of your local gaming store, the store's address, a link to your meta's website, forum or facebook group, contact info for someone in the meta, and what time your group regularly meets (if any). Holding Ctl + f will let you search within a sheet to find your state.

Anyone can add a pin for either a store or a player. To add a pin, go to "Additions" in the top right and click "Add Marker - Detailed". To add a PLAYER, make sure the marker color is RED. For the "Entry Name" put your real name, forum handle, or both. For address, you can get as detailed as your exact address if you want, or just put the street name without your house number, or you can just put your city or area code. Then on the "Details" tab you can add an email address or other contact info. To add a STORE, make sure the marker color is GREEN. For the "Entry Name" put the name of the store. Add the exact street address. Then under the "Details" tab you can add contact info for the store. I also recommend adding contact info for your meta in the Description box, such as a Facebook group or forum url. If you make a mistake with your pins, send me a message and I'll correct it.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading this guide! Feel free to bookmark it, as I make frequent updates with newly relevant links, and share it with other new players. Below you'll find some information from the previous edition of the Thrones LCG, which is not compatible with second edition, and is no longer supported by FFG.

FFG's Timing:
FAQs were released 3 to 4 times each year to update the resitricted/banned list and to address unclear rules interactions. Previous FAQs were released on 16th July 2015, 12th February 2015, 15th October 2014, 21st July 2014, 15th April 2014, 14th October 2013, 23rd July 2013, 27th February 2013, 11th October 2012, 3rd August 2012, 20th March 2012, 19th January 2012, 22nd September 2011.

Posted 28 August 2013 - 02:35 PM

accountdeleted

Posted 28 August 2013 - 03:36 PM

istaril

Posted 28 August 2013 - 03:58 PM

istaril

Advanced Member

Contributor

1741 posts

Shadows, Joust, Melee, and Naval Enhancments are all present in the last 2 pages of the FAQ (where the old "insert" has now been placed).

One of the top questions I see usually revolves around "what do I buy first?". How should we go about answering that? I'd recommend 2x Core Sets, the deluxe expansions, then an entire cycle at a time starting with the most recent, but I also want to stress that some packs are definitely better than others. A few older ones are essential, but most of them are garbage with rare exceptions (like Tommen and Northern Cavalry Flank in the Scattered Armies pack).

I agree with the recommendation for a second core set, and then the deluxe expansions (or at least the deluxe expansion for the house you like best). I've stayed away from recommending chapter pack cycles in general (although they should be recommended as cycles and not packs), since normally if they've played a few games and started to use the deckbuilders/octgn, they get a feel for the cards they want. That said, if someone is splitting cards with a playgroup, I typically recommend Tourney/Narrow Sea type packs that have a lot of house-specific cards, as opposed to Maesters/Defenders that have a lot of neutrals they would fight over.

scantrell24

Posted 28 August 2013 - 05:22 PM

Shadows, Joust, Melee, and Naval Enhancments are all present in the last 2 pages of the FAQ (where the old "insert" has now been placed).

Ah yes, thanks for pointing that out.

I agree with the recommendation for a second core set, and then the deluxe expansions (or at least the deluxe expansion for the house you like best). I've stayed away from recommending chapter pack cycles in general (although they should be recommended as cycles and not packs), since normally if they've played a few games and started to use the deckbuilders/octgn, they get a feel for the cards they want. That said, if someone is splitting cards with a playgroup, I typically recommend Tourney/Narrow Sea type packs that have a lot of house-specific cards, as opposed to Maesters/Defenders that have a lot of neutrals they would fight over.

Good points. I'll make sure to recommend playing on OCTGN to get a feel for cards first, and to give differing answers depending on whether the purchases are for an individual or a group. Does anyone have links to the First Tilt articles? Are they still relevant?

I'll write something up and make a tutorial video.

That would be awesome. We need a walk through for installing OCTGN itself, installing the Thrones stuff, and how to actually play (how to put cards facedown and how to peek at cards get asked often).

istaril

Posted 29 August 2013 - 12:48 PM

istaril

Advanced Member

Contributor

1741 posts

I'm having a few issues recording the tutorial, most of which I think I can solve with a slightly less awful microphone. I'll still do this, but it'll probably have to wait two weeks until the move when I can justify buying things again without taking up precious U-Haul space.

agktmte

Posted 29 August 2013 - 08:13 PM

agktmte

Advanced Member

Members

1294 posts

I'm having a few issues recording the tutorial, most of which I think I can solve with a slightly less awful microphone. I'll still do this, but it'll probably have to wait two weeks until the move when I can justify buying things again without taking up precious U-Haul space.

If you record the video and write out a voice over script someone else can record the audio for it. Yes, I will volunteer myself for that aspect if no one else would rather do it. This might make it happen sooner and then you won't have to buy anything extra.

JCWamma

Posted 29 August 2013 - 09:13 PM

JCWamma

Advanced Member

Small Council

2033 posts

I've got my own one (www.twitch.tv/jcwamma), but while I can stream videos fine, I'm not the most savvy and don't know how to save them. If someone could tell me that then there'll be a resource there too.

I'll try to compile the Rise of the Kraken articles into an easy list to add to this, so any budding Greyjoy player can learn their trade .

agktmte

Posted 29 August 2013 - 10:17 PM

agktmte

Advanced Member

Members

1294 posts

If anyone has saved videos (of live games or octgn games) it could be good to see if someone else (Staton maybe?) wants to go through them with commentary to explain what's going on. Perhaps we could even use some games to make tutorial videos if they don't involve anything too complex during the game.

scantrell24

Posted 30 August 2013 - 05:33 PM

scantrell24

Advanced Member

Small Council

3041 posts

If anyone has saved videos (of live games or octgn games) it could be good to see if someone else (Staton maybe?) wants to go through them with commentary to explain what's going on. Perhaps we could even use some games to make tutorial videos if they don't involve anything too complex during the game.

JRoel

Posted 30 August 2013 - 08:13 PM

JRoel

Advanced Member

Members

154 posts

I just got that all set up to stream and record my own games, it's quite easy actually. I downloaded OBS (http://obsproject.com/), and have used it a couple times to stream on twitch. You can also use it to save recorded matches to your computer. Twitch actually has a quide specifically for obs, in addition to guides for a number of other broadcasting software: http://help.twitch.t...caster-software